Mobile device screen protector installation tray and system

ABSTRACT

A screen protector installation tray can include an alignment tray and a screen protector retained within the alignment tray. Also, a method for applying a mobile device screen protector to a mobile device, including retaining a screen protector within an alignment tray, applying the alignment tray to the mobile device, interfacing the screen protector with a screen of the mobile device, transferring the glass screen protector from the alignment tray to the mobile device, and removing the alignment tray. Additionally, a mobile device screen protector installation kit, including an alignment tray, a screen protector, and instructions for applying a screen protector to a screen of a mobile device.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/671,298, filed Mar. 27, 2015, which claims the benefit ofU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/971,347, filed Mar. 27, 2014which are each incorporated herein by reference. This application alsoclaims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.62/402,607, filed Sep. 30, 2016 which is also incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND

Screen protectors are routinely used by consumers to protect mobiledevice screens from damage. Screen protectors are most frequently formedof a thin polymer film with an adhesive backing, although recentproducts also offer thin glass protectors. The film is oriented on thescreen and provides additional protection of the native screen fromdamage such as scratches and impact fractures. Unfortunately, mostscreen protectors are fixed in place once contacted with the nativescreen. Careful orientation and installation is required to avoidmisplaced screen protectors. Some products allow for repositioning, butchallenges still remain in orienting screen protectors without damage ormisalignment. Therefore, there is a need for an improved system andmethod for installing mobile device screen protectors.

SUMMARY

A screen protector installation system can include an alignment tray anda glass screen protector. The alignment tray can have a base, alignmentwalls, an alignment ridge, base walls, and a screen protector accessaperture. The base has a device side and an opposing side. The basewalls are disposed at a perimeter edge of the base, thus defining ascreen protector cavity on the device side of the base. The glass screenprotector can be retained within the screen protector cavity. The screenprotector access aperture is formed within the base of the alignmenttray. The alignment ridge is disposed at a perimeter edge of the basewalls. The alignment walls are disposed at a perimeter edge of thealignment ridge. The alignment walls and alignment ridge define a devicealignment cavity.

A method of applying a mobile device screen protector can includeretaining a glass screen protector within an alignment tray. Thealignment tray can then be applied to the mobile device. The screenprotector can be interfaced with the screen of a mobile device andtransferred from the alignment tray to the mobile device. The alignmenttray can be removed from the mobile device.

A mobile device screen protector installation kit can include analignment tray, a glass screen protector, and instructions. Theinstructions can specify placing the alignment tray above the mobiledevice with the device side facing the mobile device and applying thealignment tray onto the mobile device.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more importantfeatures of the invention so that the detailed description thereof thatfollows may be better understood, and so that the present contributionto the art may be better appreciated. Other features of the presentinvention will become clearer from the following detailed description ofthe invention, taken with the accompanying drawings and claims, or maybe learned by the practice of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a screen protector installation system inaccordance with one example of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a glass screen protector and associated releaseliner and backing liner in accordance with one example of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of an applicator tray in accordance with oneexample of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of a screen protector installationsystem and associated packaging tray in accordance with one example ofthe invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a screen protector applicator tray inaccordance with one example of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a screen protector installation systemin accordance with one example of the invention.

FIG. 7A is an applicator tray having a screen protector oriented withinthe tray in accordance with one example of the invention where thescreen protector is oriented on an underside of the tray.

FIG. 7B is a view of the applicator tray with a mobile device orientedin an approach pattern for installation below the applicator tray inaccordance with one example of the invention.

FIG. 7C is a view of the applicator tray after installation of thescreen protector in accordance with one example of the invention.

FIGS. 8A-8C represent an installation guide illustrating an installationprocess using the applicator tray of the present invention in accordancewith one example of the invention.

These drawings are provided to illustrate various aspects of theinvention and are not intended to be limiting of the scope in terms ofdimensions, materials, configurations, arrangements or proportionsunless otherwise limited by the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While these exemplary embodiments are described in sufficient detail toenable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, it should beunderstood that other embodiments may be realized and that variouschanges to the invention may be made without departing from the spiritand scope of the present invention. Thus, the following more detaileddescription of the embodiments of the present invention is not intendedto limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but is presented forpurposes of illustration only and not limitation to describe thefeatures and characteristics of the present invention, to set forth thebest mode of operation of the invention, and to sufficiently enable oneskilled in the art to practice the invention. Accordingly, the scope ofthe present invention is to be defined solely by the appended claims.

Definitions

In describing and claiming the present invention, the followingterminology will be used.

The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unlessthe context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to“an adhesive” includes reference to one or more of such materials andreference to “applying” refers to one or more such steps.

As used herein with respect to an identified property or circumstance,“substantially” refers to a degree of deviation that is sufficientlysmall so as to not measurably detract from the identified property orcircumstance. The exact degree of deviation allowable may in some casesdepend on the specific context.

As used herein, “adjacent” refers to the proximity of two structures orelements. Particularly, elements that are identified as being “adjacent”may be either abutting or connected. Such elements may also be near orclose to each other without necessarily contacting each other. The exactdegree of proximity may in some cases depend on the specific context.

As used herein, “fit tolerance” refers to the distance between aperimeter edge of a mobile device body and alignment walls of thealignment tray, as described herein.

As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositionalelements, and/or materials may be presented in a common list forconvenience. However, these lists should be construed as though eachmember of the list is individually identified as a separate and uniquemember. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as ade facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based ontheir presentation in a common group without indications to thecontrary.

Concentrations, amounts, and other numerical data may be presentedherein in a range format. It is to be understood that such range formatis used merely for convenience and brevity and should be interpretedflexibly to include not only the numerical values explicitly recited asthe limits of the range, but also to include all the individualnumerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if eachnumerical value and sub-range is explicitly recited. For example, anumerical range of about 1 to about 4.5 should be interpreted to includenot only the explicitly recited limits of 1 to about 4.5, but also toinclude individual numerals such as 2, 3, 4, and sub-ranges such as 1 to3, 2 to 4, etc. The same principle applies to ranges reciting only onenumerical value, such as “less than about 4.5,” which should beinterpreted to include all of the above-recited values and ranges.Further, such an interpretation should apply regardless of the breadthof the range or the characteristic being described.

Any steps recited in any method or process claims may be executed in anyorder and are not limited to the order presented in the claims.Means-plus-function or step-plus-function limitations will only beemployed where for a specific claim limitation all of the followingconditions are present in that limitation: a) “means for” or “step for”is expressly recited; and b) a corresponding function is expresslyrecited. The structure, material or acts that support the means-plusfunction are expressly recited in the description herein. Accordingly,the scope of the invention should be determined solely by the appendedclaims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the descriptions andexamples given herein.

Screen Protector Installation Tray and System

Screen protector alignment trays can be useful for properly aligningscreen protectors with the screen of a mobile or electronic device.However, conventional alignment trays require the user to insert thedevice into the alignment tray. Thus, alignment trays can be challengingfor the user to operate. For example, the user must align acomparatively heavy mobile device with a light alignment tray, all whilethe user's field of view of the alignment tray is obstructed by themobile device itself. Further, once the user begins inserting the mobiledevice into the alignment tray, the user's fingers can engage the wallsof the alignment tray. This can cause the user to drop the mobiledevice, causing damage to the mobile device, the screen protector, orboth. It can also result in the mobile device engaging the screenprotector at an unanticipated angle, resulting in misalignment of themobile device, despite the use of an alignment tray.

The systems, methods, and kits described herein can be used to overcomethese and other problems associated with conventional alignment trays. Anumber of examples of installation systems, methods, and kits arereferred to herein. Each of these examples can be used to describe oneanother. Thus, when referring to one example of an installation system,the same feature can be used to describe other example installationsystems, methods, and/or kits, and vice versa.

Referring to FIG. 1, a stacked sectional view of an example mobiledevice screen protector installation system is illustrated. Thus, insome examples, the mobile device screen protector installation systemcan include an alignment tray 01 and a glass screen protector 80. Insome examples, a backing liner 85 can be removably attached to a baseside of the glass screen protector 80. In some additional examples, arelease liner 86 can also be removably attached to a placement side ofthe glass screen protector 80. In some examples, where a release lineris used, the release liner 86 can include a peel tab 87 to facilitateremoval of the release liner 86. In some examples, the peel tab 87 canalso include installation instructions printed thereon. Additionally, insome examples, the mobile device screen protector installation systemcan include an installation packet 21, which can include a variety ofitems such as a cleaning cloth, dust removal stickers, and/or othersuitable installation accessories. In some further examples, the mobiledevice screen protector installation system can include installationinstructions 19 and/or a welcome card 17 having information regardingdevice source, device model name and/or number, warranty information,technical support contact information, the like, or a combinationthereof.

A plan view of an example glass screen protector 80 is illustrated inFIG. 2. The glass screen protector can be shaped to align with anysuitable smart phone, tablet, or the like. In some examples, an optionalrelease liner 86 can be shaped identically or similarly to the glassscreen protector 80, such as is illustrated in FIG. 2. However, therelease liner 86 need not have an identical shape to the glass screenprotector 80. Where used, the release liner 86 can be removably attachedto the glass screen protector 80. Further, an optional backing liner 85can also be identically or similarly shaped to the glass screenprotector 80, but like the release liner 86, the backing liner 85 neednot be identical in shape with the glass screen protector 80. Forexample, where used, the backing liner can optionally include one ormore peel tabs, such as peel tab 87, to facilitate removal of thebacking liner 85.

A plan view of an example alignment tray 01 is illustrated in FIG. 3.The alignment tray 01 can include a base 10, base walls 40 disposed at aperimeter edge of the base 10 and defining a screen protector cavity, aswill be more clearly illustrated in FIG. 4. As further illustrated inFIG. 3, an alignment ridge 30 can be disposed at a perimeter edge of thebase walls 40 and alignment walls 20 can be disposed at a perimeter edgeof the alignment ridge 30. The alignment ridge 30 and alignment walls 20can define a device alignment cavity, which will be more clearlyillustrated in FIG. 4. A screen protector access aperture 50 can beformed within the base 10.

In some examples, a number of gaps, such as gaps 15A, 15B, or othersuitable gaps, can be formed in the alignment tray such that the basewalls 40, alignment ridge 30, and alignment walls 20 are eitherpartially or fully separated into two or more alignment sections. Thegaps can accommodate structural features, such as peel tabs, or thelike, or can be used to facilitate ease of access where desirable. Insome examples, where more than one gap is used, the gaps can becommensurate in size. In other examples, such as is illustrated in FIG.3, the gaps can be of different sizes. In this particular example, gap15A can be sized larger than gap 15B to accommodate a backing liner thatincludes a peel tab on the top and the bottom and a release liner thatincludes a peel tab only on the top side and that does not overlap withthe peel tab of the backing liner. As such, gap 15A can be somewhatwider than gap 15B.

In some examples, a spacer 90 can be adhered or otherwise attached tothe device side of the base 10 to maintain a gap between the glassscreen protector, and optionally the backing liner, and the base 10 ofthe alignment tray 01. In some examples, the spacer 90 can include aretention adhesive to adhere to the glass screen protector or a backingliner that is removably attached to the glass screen protector. Whetherthe retention adhesive is also adhered on spacer 90 or directly on base10, in some examples the retention adhesive can retain the glass screenprotector within the screen protector cavity.

In some additional examples, mobile device orientation instructions canalso be included or formed on the alignment tray. For example, mobiledevice orientation instructions, such as 03A and/or 03B, can be includedon the base or other section of the alignment tray. The deviceorientation instructions can be printed on the alignment tray, moldedinto the alignment tray, the like, or a combination thereof.

In some examples, the alignment tray can include a packaging insertretention feature 09, such as a tab, flap, notch, clip, slit, adhesive,the like, or a combination thereof. This can help retain a welcome card,instructions, a cleaning packet, or other suitable accessories withinthe alignment tray during packaging, shipping, and the like.Additionally, in some examples, the alignment tray can include agripping feature, such as finger hold 13, to facilitate positioning andmaneuvering of the alignment tray.

In FIG. 4 a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a mobiledevice screen protector installation system is illustrated. The systemcan include an alignment tray 100, a glass screen protector 180, andoptionally a retention adhesive and/or a removable cover 105.

The alignment tray 100 can have a base 110 having a device side 112 andan opposing side 114. A screen protector access aperture 150 can beformed within the base 110, thus allowing a user to access the deviceside 112 of the base 110 from the opposing side 114. The screenprotector access aperture can be shaped to allow at least one finger ofa user to pass through the aperture. As a general guideline the accessaperture can have a width from about 15 mm to 25 mm. In one example, theaperture can be an elongate aperture to allow a user to apply pressureat multiple points along the screen protector. In this case the elongateaperture for a smartphone, for example, can often have a width of about15 to 25 mm and length of about 60 to 110 mm, although other dimensionsmay be suitable depending on the size of the corresponding screenprotector. For example, sizes corresponding to tablet devices can beincreased to allow a user to apply pressure to at least two points withat least one point each on opposing sides of a major axis of symmetry(i.e an axis extending across a shorter dimension of the screenprotector).

In some examples, a removable cover 105 can be disposed on the opposingside 114 of the base 110 at least partially covering the screenprotector access aperture 150. Base walls 140 can be disposed at aperimeter edge of the base 110, defining a screen protector cavity 160on the device side 112 of the base 110. An alignment ridge 130 can bedisposed at a perimeter edge of the base walls 140. Additionally,alignment walls 120 can be disposed at a perimeter edge of the alignmentridge 130 defining a device alignment cavity 170 within the alignmenttray 100, also on the device side 112. Notably, the screen protectorcavity 160 can be smaller than the device alignment cavity 170 to allowthe screen protector 182 to be spaced and held apart from acorresponding mobile device 175 by alignment ridge 130. In this manner,the screen protector 182 and mobile device 175 can be aligned withoutcontact until the screen protector 182 is pressed into contact throughscreen protector access aperture 150. Further, the alignment tray 100can include support structures 107 or various other structural featuresfor convenience in packaging, gripping, or other purposes.

The alignment tray 100 can be made of any suitable material. In oneexample, the alignment tray 100 is formed of a transparent material. Inone aspect, the alignment tray 100 can be made of a molded transparentfilm. Any suitable material can be used to prepare the moldedtransparent film. Some non-exclusive examples of such materials caninclude polyurethane, thermoplastic polyurethane, aliphaticthermoplastic polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, chlorinated polymer,polyolefin, polyester, polyethylene terephthalate, polyamide,polyacrylate, polymethyl methacrylate, styrene methyl methacrylate,styrene acrylonitrile, general purpose polystyrene, polycarbonate,polysilicone, composites thereof, or combinations thereof. In oneaspect, the molded transparent film is made from polyethyleneterephthalate.

As previously mentioned, the base 110 and the base walls 140 define ascreen protector cavity 160 on the device side 112 of the base 110. Thescreen protector cavity 160 can have any suitable shape and dimensionsto accommodate a screen protector 180 suitable for a mobile orelectronic device (e.g. smartphone, tablet, etc). The screen protectorcavity 160 can have a variety of depths to accommodate varyingthicknesses or shapes of screen protectors, a gap 195 between the screenprotector 180 and the base 110, a gap 197 between the screen protector180 and the alignment ridge 130, and the like. In one specific example,a plurality of spacing elements 190 can be used to maintain gaps 195 and197. In one embodiment, the gap 195 can be from 0.1 mm to 2 mm. Inanother embodiment, the gap 195 can be from 0.2 mm to 1 mm. The spacingelements can be made from any suitable material and can optionallyinclude a removable adhesive that allows the spacing elements to engageand be removed from the screen protector. Non-limiting examples ofspacing element materials can include polyethylene foam, polystyrenefoam, pressure sensitive adhesives, fugitive glue, hot melt adhesives,latex, silicone, or combinations thereof.

Though FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of the current technology thatincludes a screen protector cavity 160 having gaps 195 and 197, thescreen protector cavity 160 need not accommodate such gaps. The screenprotector cavity 160 can be designed to allow the screen protector 180to come into contact with the base 110 and to be substantially planarwith the alignment ridge 130, thus allowing the screen protector 180 tocome into contact with a mobile device upon application of the alignmenttray 100. Thus, in this case, gap 197 would be eliminated. Additionally,the screen protector cavity 160 may be adapted to have only one of gaps195 and 197. Numerous adaptations and configurations can be accommodatedand contemplated by the current technology.

In some examples, a retention adhesive can be used to retain the screenprotector 180 within the screen protector cavity 160. In one embodiment,the retention adhesive can directly contact both a base side 184 of thescreen protector 180 and the device side 112 of the base 110. In anotherembodiment, the retention adhesive can be disposed on opposing sides ofa plurality of spacing elements 190, such that the base side 184 of thescreen protector 180 engages the device side 112 of the base 110 via thespacing elements 190. In another embodiment, the retention adhesive canbe disposed on the removable cover 105, such that the retention adhesiveengages the opposing side 114 of the base 110 and the base side 184 ofthe screen protector 180. This, and other similar arrangements, canallow the base side 184 of the screen protector 180 to be in contactwith the device side 112 of the base 110. The retention adhesive canalso be disposed on the base walls 140 such that the screen protector180 is adhered to the base walls 140 rather than the base 110 directly.

The retention adhesive can be any suitable adhesive to retain the screenprotector 180 within the screen protector cavity 160. Typically, theadhesive leaves little to no adhesive residue on the screen protector180 and allows the screen protector 180 to be easily disengaged from thealignment tray 100. In some embodiments, more than one retentionadhesive can be used. In one specific example, a plurality of spacingelements 190 can be used in connection with the retention adhesive. Theopposing sides of the spacing elements 190 can have the same retentionadhesive disposed thereon. In one aspect, the retention adhesive can bedisposed more thickly on the opposing side that engages the base 110 andmore lightly on the opposing side that engages the screen protector 180.In one aspect, the retention adhesive can be selected so that it can beevenly disposed on each opposing side of the plurality of spacingelements 190, but where the plurality of spacing elements will morestrongly adhere to the base 110 than the screen protector 180. Inanother aspect, different retention adhesives can be used on eachopposing side of the plurality of spacing elements 190, such that theplurality of spacing elements 190 are more strongly adhered to the base110 than the screen protector 180. Some non-exclusive examples ofsuitable retention adhesives include fugitive adhesives, hot meltadhesives, pressure sensitive adhesives (described in greater detailbelow), or combinations thereof.

In yet other examples, the alignment tray can include a plurality ofglass screen protector retention features oriented along the base wallsto retain the glass screen protector within the screen protector cavity.In some examples, the plurality of glass screen protector retentionfeatures can form a physical interference fit to retain the glass screenprotector within the screen protector cavity. However, a variety ofglass screen protector retention features can be used. Non-limitingexamples can include a tab, flap, notch, clip, slit, adhesive, the like,or a combination thereof. FIG. 5 illustrates one example of an alignmenttray 200 that includes a plurality of glass screen protector retentionfeatures 242 oriented along a base wall 240. In this case, the retentionfeatures 242 are a set of tab protrusions (seen from a back side) whichextend into a space occupied by the mobile device so as to physicallyfrictionally engage with edges of the glass screen protector. As such, auser can access a glass screen protector via the screen protector accessaperture 250 to disengage the glass screen protector (not shown) fromthe glass screen protector retention features 242 to transfer the glassscreen protector to a screen of a mobile electronic device (not shown).Thus, the screen protector can be retained within the screen protectoraccess aperture via a retention adhesive, a glass screen protectorretention feature, the like, or a combination thereof.

Returning again to FIG. 4, the screen protector 180 can be made of anysuitable transparent material. Such materials can include temperedglass, urethane, polyurethane, polymethyl methacrylate, polycarbonate,or any other suitable material. In one embodiment the screen protectoris a glass screen protector.

Additionally, in some examples, the screen protector can include arelease liner on the placement side 182 of the screen protector 180. Therelease liner can be made of any suitable material. Some non-exclusiveexamples of release liner materials can include polyester, polyethyleneterephthalate, polypropylene, high density polyethylene, low densitypolyethylene, or combinations thereof. The release liner can protectadhesive on the placement side 182 of the screen protector 180 fromdebris which can cause undesirable visual artifacts when trapped betweenthe screen protector 180 and a mobile device 175. Thus, the releaseliner can be removed immediately prior to placement to reduce chances ofattracting debris.

In some examples, the glass screen protector can include a backing liner(not shown) on a base side 184 of the glass screen protector 180. Thebacking liner can be made of the same or similar materials as therelease liner. The backing liner can protect the base side 184 of theglass screen protector from residual retention adhesive, scratches, andthe like that can affect the function and/or presentation of the glassscreen protector after placement. The backing liner can generally beremoved after placement of the glass screen protector 180 and removal ofthe alignment tray 100.

A placement adhesive can be included on the placement side 182 of thescreen protector 180. Any suitable placement adhesive can be used toadhere the screen protector 180 to the mobile device 175. The placementadhesive can include, but is not limited to, a pressure sensitiveadhesive, such as acrylic based polymers, acrylic emulsion polymers,natural elastomeric polymers, synthetic elastomeric polymers,elastomeric copolymer microspheres, vinyl ethers, silicone, orcombinations thereof. Suitable pressure sensitive adhesive materials cancontain, for example, a polymer as a principal constituent, such asacrylic type polymers, block copolymers, natural or recovered rubbers,styrene butadiene rubbers, ethylene and vinyl acetate random copolymers,ethylene vinyl acrylic terpolymers, polyisobutylene poly(vinyl ethers),etc. In a specific aspect, elastomers used in the adhesive can be basedon acrylics, butyl rubber, ethylene-vinyl acetate, natural rubber,nitriles, silicone rubber, styrene block copolymers,styrene-butadiene-styrene, styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene,styrene-ethylene/propylene, styrene-isoprene-styrene, vinyl ethers, etc.Useful elastomeric polymers that may be incorporated in the adhesiveinclude natural rubber (polyisoprene), polybutadiene, syntheticpolyisoprene, random styrene-butadiene polymers, styrene-butadiene blockcopolymers, multiarmed and repeating (SB) copolymers,styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymers, styreneisoprene blockcopolymers, styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymers, multiarmedstyrene-isoprene, block copolymers, and the like. Other elastomers, suchas the ethylene-propylene diene rubbers, styrene-ethylene/butylene,styrene block copolymers, styrene-ethylene/propylene-styrene blockcopolymers, and the like may also be used.

In addition to the aforementioned materials, other materials can bepresent in the adhesive to impart desired properties. For example,plasticizers, antioxidants, filler materials, and/or pigments can alsobe included in the adhesive compositions. Cutting agents such as waxesand surfactants also can be included in the adhesives. Lightstabilizers, heat stabilizers, and UV absorbers or blockers also can beincluded in the adhesive compositions. Ultraviolet absorbers includebenzo-triazol derivatives, hydroxy benzyl phenones, esters of benzoicacids, oxalic acid, diamides, etc. Light stabilizers include hinderedamine light stabilizers, and the heat stabilizers includedithiocarbamate compositions such as zinc dibutyl dithiocarbamate,although other stabilizers may be suitable. The adhesive materials cancontain a mixture of solid tackifying resins and liquid tackifyingresins. In a particular aspect, a pressure sensitive adhesive can bebased on an elastomer compounded with a suitable tackifier (e.g., arosin ester).

As previously described, the alignment ridge 130 and the alignment walls120 define a device alignment cavity 170. The alignment walls 120 areadapted to direct a mobile device 175 into proper placement within thedevice alignment cavity 170. The device alignment cavity 170 is adaptedto properly align the screen protector 180 with the mobile device 175.The alignment walls 120 can be tapered to the alignment ridge 130 orthey can be substantially perpendicular with the alignment ridge 130.The alignment ridge 130 is adapted to engage the mobile device 175 suchthat, when properly aligned, the alignment tray 100 is supported on themobile device 175 at the alignment ridge 130. The alignment ridge 130can be spaced at a depth to align the screen protector 180 with a screenof the mobile device 175 without bringing the screen protector 180 intocontact with the screen of the mobile device 175. In another embodiment,the alignment ridge 130 can be spaced at a depth to both align thescreen protector 180 with a screen of the mobile device 175 and bringthe screen protector 180 into contact with the screen of the mobiledevice 175. In one embodiment, the alignment walls 120 can have a lengththat allows the bottom of the alignment tray 100 to be substantiallyplanar with the bottom of the mobile device 175. In another embodimentthe alignment walls 120 can have a length that allows the alignment tray100 to be suspended on the mobile device 175, wherein the bottom of thealignment tray 100 does not extend to the bottom of the mobile device175. The alignment walls 120 can be a continuous perimeter or segmentedhaving at least four segments or alignment features. The devicealignment cavity 170 can be designed to receive any suitable electronicor mobile device 175 including, but not limited to tablet computers,mobile phones, game consoles, and the like. Further, the devicealignment cavity 170 can be adapted to have a very tight fit tolerancefor any electronic or mobile device 175 for which the alignment tray 100is designed or configured. In one embodiment, the fit tolerance is lessthan 2 mm. In another embodiment, the fit tolerance is less than 1 mm.In yet another embodiment, the fit tolerance is less than 0.5 mm.

Where used, a removable cover 105 can at least partially cover thescreen protector access aperture 150. In one embodiment, the removablecover 105 can cover the entire screen protector access aperture 150. Inanother embodiment, the removable cover 105 only partially covers thescreen protector access aperture 150. The removable cover 105 can bemade of any suitable material. Some non-exclusive examples of suitablematerials for the removable cover are urethane, polyurethane, polyvinylchloride, polyester, polyethylene terephthalate, ethylene vinyl acetate,or combinations thereof. The removable cover can include an adhesive toengage the opposing side 114 of the base 110. As previously mentioned,the adhesive can also be the retention adhesive and engage the base side184 of the screen protector 180, but the adhesive need not be theretention adhesive.

Another embodiment of a mobile device screen protector installationsystem is illustrated in FIG. 6. In this example, the mobile devicescreen protector installation system is illustrated with the alignmenttray 300 base-side down. The screen protector access aperture 350 isformed within the base 310 of the alignment tray 300. An optionalremovable cover 305 is illustrated as covering the entire screenprotector access aperture 350. The removable cover 305 is orientedbeneath the screen protector 380 which is transparent. The screenprotector access aperture 350 notably extends across a major axis 352 ofthe alignment tray 300. Generally, the access aperture 350 can includeone or more openings which allow a user access to the screen protector380 to at least two points, one on each side of the major axis 352.Accordingly, a single elongate aperture may be used as illustrated,although two or more smaller apertures can also be used. The base 310and the base walls 340 define the screen protector cavity. The screenprotector 380 is retained within the screen protector cavity via theretention adhesive disposed on opposing sides of a plurality of spacingelements 390. The screen protector cavity is adapted to maintain a gapbetween the screen protector 380 and the alignment ridge 330. Thealignment ridge 330 and the alignment walls 320 define the devicealignment cavity. The packaging/gripping support structure 307 is alsoshown.

FIGS. 7A-7C illustrate an embodiment of the mobile device screenprotector installation system with the alignment tray 400 base-side up.In FIG. 7A, the screen protector access aperture 450 is formed withinthe base 410 of the alignment tray 400. In this case, the base 410 caninclude auxiliary access apertures 452. Such additional apertures canallow a user to apply pressure at additional points across the screenprotector 480. This can be particularly useful for larger mobile devicessuch as tablets in order to fully engage edges of the screen protector480 against a screen of the mobile device. The screen protector 480 canbe seen through the screen protector access aperture 450. Additionally,an optional removable cover 405 is shown as partially withdrawn from thebase 410 of the alignment tray 400.

FIG. 7B illustrates the alignment tray 400 above the mobile device 475in preparation for aligning the screen protector 480 with the screen ofthe mobile device 475. The optional removable cover has been completelywithdrawn so that the screen protector access aperture 450 has beencompletely exposed. The screen protector 480 can be seen through thescreen protector access aperture 450.

In FIG. 7C, the screen protector 480 has been attached to the mobiledevice 475. A portion of the mobile device 475 having the attachedscreen protector 480 can be seen through the screen protector accessaperture 450.

Another embodiment of the present technology can include a method ofapplying a mobile device screen protector. The method can includeretaining a screen protector within an alignment tray. The screenprotector can be a glass screen protector. As previously discussed, thealignment tray can include a screen protector access aperture. Thealignment tray, including the retained screen protector, can be appliedto a mobile device. The glass screen protector can be transferred fromthe alignment tray to the mobile device. The screen protector can beinterfaced with a screen of the mobile device. The alignment tray can beremoved from the mobile device. Where a backing liner is used, it can beremoved from the glass screen protector.

As previously discussed, the screen protector does not necessarily comeinto contact with the mobile device upon application of the alignmenttray. The screen protector may be retained within the screen protectorcavity such that there is a gap or space between the screen protectorand the mobile device. However, the alignment tray can be adapted tobring the screen protector into contact with a screen of a mobile deviceupon application of the alignment tray.

One embodiment of this method is illustrated in FIGS. 7A-7C. As can beseen in FIG. 7A the screen protector 480 is retained within thealignment tray 400 via a retention adhesive, a glass screen protectorretention feature, the like, or a combination thereof. The alignmenttray 400 has a screen protector access aperture 450 through which thescreen protector 480 can be seen and accessed. Additionally, as depictedin FIG. 7B, the alignment tray 400, including the retained screenprotector 480, can be applied to a mobile device 475. As can be seen inFIG. 7C, the screen protector 480 can be disengaged from the retentionadhesive, the glass screen protector retention feature, the like, orcombination thereof and interfaced with a screen of the mobile device475. The alignment tray 400 can then be removed from the mobile device475. Thus, the mobile device 475 can be maintained substantiallystationary during installation of the screen protector 480 and removalof the alignment tray 400.

Another embodiment of this method is illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8C. Theembodiment of the screen protector installation system illustrated inFIG. 8A includes a screen protector 580 with an optional release liner586. The screen protector 580 is retained within the alignment tray 500via a retention adhesive, a glass screen protector retention feature,the like, or a combination thereof. The optional release liner 586 canbe removed prior to applying the alignment tray 500 to the mobiledevice. In FIG. 8B, the alignment tray 500 is applied to the mobiledevice 575. The screen protector 580 can be seen through the screenprotector access aperture 550. As shown in FIG. 8C, once the alignmenttray 500 is applied to the mobile device 575, the retention adhesive,the glass screen protector retention feature, the like, or a combinationthereof can be disengaged from the screen protector 580. This can bedone by compelling the screen protector 580 away from the alignment tray500 via the screen protector access aperture 550 while maintaining themobile device 575 within the device alignment cavity of the alignmenttray 500. Compelling the screen protector 580 away from the alignmenttray 500 can also interface or bring the screen protector 580 intocontact with a screen of the mobile device 575. Thus, disengaging theretention adhesive, the glass screen protector retention feature, thelike, or a combination thereof and interfacing the glass screenprotector 580 with a screen of the mobile device 575 can occurcontemporaneously.

In another embodiment (not shown), the screen protector can be retainedwithin the alignment tray so that it comes into contact with orinterfaces with the mobile device upon application of the alignmenttray. In one aspect of this embodiment, a retention adhesive can beincluded on the removable cover. In this scenario, the retentionadhesive can be disengaged by withdrawing the removable cover andassociated retention adhesive from the alignment tray and screenprotector. This allows the screen protector to be interfaced with thescreen of the mobile device before withdrawing the retention adhesive.Once the removable cover is withdrawn, the screen protector is no longeradhered to the alignment tray, and the alignment tray can be removed. Inanother aspect of this embodiment, the screen protector can be retainedwithin the alignment tray via a plurality of spacers having retentionadhesive disposed on opposing sides, as previously described. Once thealignment tray is applied to the mobile device, the placement adhesivecan sufficiently retain the screen protector to the mobile device sothat the retention adhesive can be disengaged from the screen protectorby removing the alignment tray. Thus disengaging the retention adhesiveand removing the alignment tray can occur contemporaneously. In someexamples, where a backing liner is removably attached to the base sideof the glass screen protector, removing the alignment tray from themobile device and removing the backing liner from the glass screenprotector can occur contemporaneously.

Another embodiment of the current technology can include a mobile devicescreen protector installation kit. The kit can include an alignment trayand a screen protector. The alignment tray and screen protector caninclude any of the embodiments previously described herein. The kit canalso include instructions for applying the screen protector to a screenof a mobile device.

The instructions can specify placing the alignment tray above the mobiledevice with the device side facing the mobile device and engaging thealignment tray onto the mobile device, as illustrated in FIGS. 7A-7C andFIGS. 8A-8C, for example. In some examples, the instructions can furtherspecify at least partially withdrawing an optional removable cover fromthe alignment tray. The instructions can also specify engaging the glassscreen protector to a screen of the mobile device by applying pressureto the screen protector via the screen protector access aperture. Insome examples, the instructions can specify removing a release linerfrom the glass screen protector prior to engaging the alignment tray tothe mobile device. In some examples, the instructions can also specifyremoving a backing liner from the glass screen protector after removalor upon removal of the alignment tray. The instructions can be providedin a number of ways. Some examples of how the instructions can beprovided include instructions on an instruction card, on packaging,printed directly on the alignment tray, information provided to direct auser to obtain online instructions via a weblink, or any other suitablemethod of providing instructions.

The kit can also include additional kit components. Returning again theFIG. 4, the kit can include a packaging tray 165 with a kit componentreceptacle 167. Various kit components can be included in the kitcomponent receptacle 167. Any suitable components for a mobile devicescreen protector installation kit can be included. Such kit componentscan include the instructions already specified, additional instructionsfor registering the kit or kit components with the manufacturer,additional instructions for cleaning the screen of the mobile device,dust removing stickers or equivalent, a cloth for cleaning the screen ofa mobile device, a squeegee, and any other kit components suitable forinclusion in a mobile device screen protector installation kit.

The foregoing detailed description describes the invention withreference to specific exemplary embodiments. However, it will beappreciated that various modifications and changes can be made withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention as set forth in theappended claims. The detailed description and accompanying drawings areto be regarded as merely illustrative, rather than as restrictive, andall such modifications or changes, if any, are intended to fall withinthe scope of the present invention as described and set forth herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A mobile device screen protector installationsystem, comprising: an alignment tray having a base, alignment walls, analignment ridge, base walls, and a screen protector access aperture,wherein the base includes a device side and an opposing side, whereinthe base walls are disposed at a perimeter edge of the base defining ascreen protector cavity on the device side, the alignment ridge isdisposed at a perimeter edge of the base walls, and the alignment wallsare disposed at a perimeter edge of the alignment ridge, the alignmentwalls and alignment ridge defining a device alignment cavity, whereinthe screen protector access aperture is formed within the base; and aglass screen protector retained within the screen protector cavity ofthe alignment tray, the glass screen protector having a placement sideand a base side, wherein the glass screen protector is retained withinthe screen protector cavity via a retention adhesive contacting the baseside of the screen protector and the device side of the base.
 2. Thesystem of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of spacing elementsdisposed between the glass screen protector and the base and oriented tomaintain a gap between the base and the glass screen protector.
 3. Thesystem of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of glass screenprotector retention features oriented along the base walls and forming aphysical interference fit to retain the glass screen protector withinthe screen protector cavity.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein thealignment tray is formed of a molded transparent film.
 5. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the device alignment cavity has a fit tolerance oflessthan 1 mm.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the glass screen protectorincludes a release liner on the placement side.
 7. The system of claim1, wherein the glass screen protector includes a placement adhesive onthe placement side.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the alignmentridge is spaced a depth to align the glass screen protector with ascreen of a mobile device without contacting the glass screen protectorwith the screen.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the alignment trayfurther comprises a packaging insert retention feature.
 10. The systemof claim 1, wherein the alignment tray further comprises deviceorientation instructions printed on or molded into the alignment tray.11. A method of applying a mobile device screen protector, comprising:applying the alignment tray to a mobile device, the alignment trayhaving a screen protector access aperture and a glass screen protectorretained within the alignment tray via a retention adhesive; interfacingthe glass screen protector with a screen of the mobile device;transferring the glass screen protector from the alignment tray to themobile device; and removing the alignment tray from the mobile device.12. The method of claim 11, further comprising disengaging the retentionadhesive from the glass screen protector by compelling the glass screenprotector away from the alignment tray via the screen access aperturewhile maintaining the mobile device within the device alignment cavityof the alignment tray.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the glassscreen protector is retained within the alignment tray via a glassscreen protector retention feature.
 14. The method of claim 11, whereintransferring the glass screen protector from the alignment tray includescompelling the glass screen protector away from the alignment tray viathe screen protector access aperture while maintaining the mobile devicewithin a device alignment cavity of the alignment tray.
 15. The methodof claim 11, wherein interfacing the glass screen protector with ascreen of the mobile device occurs upon applying the alignment tray tothe mobile device.